The future of the OBD connector, the small communication device that allows independent garages access to vehicle diagnostic data, is under threat, because of changes to EU vehicle type approval legislation.

 

Without an OBD, the independent garage would find it much more difficult to diagnose and repair cars and franchised dealers would have an unfair advantage. If cars are allowed to be made with no OBD connector, the consequences are serious. Independent garages, motor factors and many other motor trade companies would be under severe threat. It would also mean service and repair prices would rise and customer choice would be diminished. Petition is now Closed

 

To stop this from happening, please take a few moments to sign our Save the OBD petition and put pressure on your MEP to ensure the independent aftermarket has easy and economical access to the diagnostic information it needs.

 

The independent automotive aftermarket in Ireland and across Europe is currently facing a huge threat to its future, as it views the very real possibility of new cars being produced without OBD connectors. The development would mean that vehicle manufacturers would effectively have a monopoly on vehicle diagnostic data and independent garages would only be able to access information such as fault codes and diagnostic readings through manufacturer controlled servers, if at all.

 

Currently vehicle makers are compelled to include an OBD connector by EU Type Approval regulations. However, new rules relating to type approval are currently being discussed and as it stands, they do not include an obligation on vehicle manufacturers to provide an OBD connector.

 

If independent garages cannot easily access vehicle data, it will upset the balance of competition in the market and give the franchised dealers an unfair advantage. This could have a dramatic impact, not only on independent garages but also motor factors, aftermarket part suppliers and manufacturers, equipment suppliers and many other motor trade businesses.

 

Pressure needs to be applied now as crucial ‘Trilogue’ discussions between the Commission, the European Parliament and the Member Council on type approval are taking place in September.

 

Organisations such as FIGIEFA and the IAAF are campaigning hard on this issue.